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Wake County Seeking Applicants for All-Expenses-Paid Fire Academy

Phyllis Coley @phyllis_coley

RALEIGH – After the successful launch of last year’s “Career in a Year” program, Wake County is once again opening up applications for its Fire Academy, hoping to ignite new interest in fire careers and cultivate a diverse workforce. No experience is required, and the County will pay a salary and benefits to recruits over the course of the 38-week training program.

The application period for Career in a Year is open today, June 1, through June 23. Graduates will earn EMT and Firefighter dual certification and are guaranteed a job with a local fire department if they meet all qualifications.

“We’re excited to build on the success of the first Career in Year program with this next academy class,” said Shinica Thomas, chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “If you’ve ever thought about a career in fire services and you have a desire to perform meaningful work in your own community, Wake County will help make it happen.”

Wake County commissioners approved utilizing $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to pay for the program, which strives to foster a work culture that better matches the diversity of our community. This aligns with the Board’s goal of valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The current Fire Academy class (the first to include a full salary and benefits for recruits) is the most diverse ever – the student body is 11 percent female and 28 percent non-white. See what those recruits have to say about their experience here.

Interested in being part of the next class of future firefighters? Find out how you can begin an exciting career, make a difference in your community, and get paid to train by attending one of the information sessions:

Career in a Year is offered in partnership with Wake Technical Community College. Learn more at wake.gov/FireCareer.